Georgia Power begins Hurricane Zeta damage assessment; reminds customers to focus on safety after the storm

Rhea-AI Summary

On October 29, 2020, Georgia Power initiated a comprehensive damage assessment following Hurricane Zeta, which left over 600,000 customers without power due to severe weather conditions. The assessment is crucial for beginning restoration efforts, with crews working on identifying damages. The company emphasizes safety, urging customers to avoid downed wires and hazardous areas. Georgia Power also highlights their initiatives to maintain safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring reliable energy delivery while prioritizing the safety of customers and staff. For updates, customers can subscribe to outage alerts and use the Georgia Power mobile app.

Positive

• Initiating a damage assessment promptly after Hurricane Zeta demonstrates efficient crisis management.
• Over 600,000 customers are receiving timely updates and support through the damage assessment process.
• Georgia Power showcases commitment to customer safety and reliability amid severe weather conditions.

Negative

• The widespread power outage affects over 600,000 customers, indicating significant operational challenges.

ATLANTA, Oct. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As Hurricane Zeta clears Georgia, Georgia Power begins its full-scale damage assessment. There has been significant damage due to high winds, heavy rain and fallen trees in the hardest hit areas leaving more than 600,000 customers without power. Damage assessment marks the first phase of the restoration process and Georgia Power has crews in the field assessing damage to begin the restoration process, followed by repair crews.

Georgia Power reminds customers that dangerous conditions exist following a storm.

After the Storm Safety Tips

• Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.
• Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.
• Don't step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.
• Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.
• Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it's the law in Georgia.
• Protect electronics and appliances. Disconnect or turn off any appliances that will start automatically when power returns to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.

For more on the damage assessment and restoration process, visit Georgia Power's YouTube channel.

Tools You Can Use

• Outage Alerts – Subscribe to the free Georgia Power Outage Alert service to receive personalized notifications and updates via text message.
• Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.georgiapower.com/storm, customers can visit this site to sign up for Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938. 
• Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
• Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
• @GeorgiaPower on Twitter – Follow @GeorgiaPower on Twitter for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.
• Emergency Plan and Kit – Visit the Georgia Power storm page https://georgiapower.com/in-your-community/storm-center/before/prepare-hurricane.cshtmlfor information on how to build a family emergency plan and emergency supply kit. 

Storm Response Pandemic Preparations

Georgia Power constantly monitors changing weather conditions and is prepared to respond to service interruptions that might occur because of severe weather while taking proactive actions including special "distancing" and other precautions to help protect customers and employees from the spread of the virus.

In addition, the company's comprehensive pandemic plans help ensure readiness of the critical personnel and facilities necessary to continue providing the safe and reliable energy customers expect and deserve.

Ways you can help keep workers safe while they work in the field:

1. If you see utility crews, please stay back a minimum of six feet – much more if they are working.
2. Please, no cookies or treats for workers during this time. Give a wave or thumbs up to workers you see. They'll understand your gratitude as they work to keep the lights on.
3. Don't touch utility trucks or equipment. Electric providers are operating under modified conditions to keep workers safe, which includes additional cleaning and sanitation of tools and equipment.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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SOURCE Georgia Power

FAQ

What is the impact of Hurricane Zeta on Georgia Power customers?

Hurricane Zeta has left over 600,000 customers without power, prompting a full-scale damage assessment by Georgia Power.

When did Georgia Power begin its damage assessment after Hurricane Zeta?

Georgia Power began its damage assessment on October 29, 2020, following the passage of Hurricane Zeta.

What safety measures are recommended by Georgia Power post-Hurricane Zeta?

Georgia Power advises customers to watch for downed wires, avoid standing water, and ensure safe distances from utility crews.

How can customers stay updated on power outages from Georgia Power?

Customers can sign up for Georgia Power's Outage Alert service for personalized notifications and updates about outages.

What protocols is Georgia Power following during the pandemic for storm responses?

Georgia Power has implemented special distancing and sanitation protocols to protect both customers and employees during storm responses.